"Dangerous Advice" by Marti Ronemus

Ever since 1975 when I saw the movie "Jaws," I've refused, wisely I think, to go in any water not completely contained by a man-made substance. Each summer, we get to see Shark Week on TV, and I admit to being very close to the TV that week.

One piece of information that seems to be part of the Conventional Wisdom is that if you are approached by a shark, just give it a good punch in the nose and it will go away.

For those of you who've been clinging to this piece of advice, let me be the first to tell you it just ain't so. Shark experts tell us that a smack on the face is the LAST thing that will chase a shark away! It's not gonna work, folks, so you better have a Plan B.

Instead, follow my advice. If you don't go in the water, they can't get you.

We have enough sharks at the bridge table to keep us amused for life. Let's go deal with them.

Question 1

Your Hand
♠ A Q J 8
♥ 3
♦ K 9 6 3
♣ Q J 8 4

Q: 1 - South:

South	West	North	East
-	2♥*	p	3♥**
?

*Weak Two
**Weak hand, holding four Hearts, Law of Total Tricks

A: Double: Yes, we may be shoving Pard to the four-level if he wants a minor, but this hand is just too nice to let go. We have 16 pts in favor of any suit but Hearts.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 2

Your Hand
♠ A Q J 8 7
♥ 3
♦ K 9 6
♣ K Q 8 4

Q: 2 - South:

South	West	North	East
-	2♥*	p	3♥**
?

*Weak Two
**Weak hand, holding four Hearts, Law of Total Tricks

A: 3♠: We have a lovely hand, and eagerly await the lead coming into it. Those sharks are trying to steal from us and we just won't stand (sit?) for it.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 3

Your Hand
♠ A Q J 10 8 7
♥ 3
♦ K 3
♣ K Q J 8

Q: 3 - South:

South	West	North	East
-	2♥*	p	3♥**
?

*Weak Two
**Weak hand, holding four Hearts, Law of Total Tricks

A: 4♠: Interestingly, we've only got 16 HCP, but bridge is a game of tricks, not points. This hand is a trick-taker. Pard did indeed Pass, but we suspect he's got a little something for us, in that both East and West have shown weakness. The reason to preempt is to rob the opponents. We members of the Clint Eastwood School of Bidding simply will not sit still for that.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 4

Your Hand
♠ A K J 10 9 2
♥ 5
♦ K Q 10 5
♣ A 7

Q: 4 - South:

South	West	North	East
-	-	-	1♣
?

A: Double: This is our friend, the Big Hand Double. Pard will bid his suit (any bets on Clubs?) and we'll correct to Spades. To double and then name another suit promises 18-plus points.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 5

Your Hand
♠ A K J 10 9
♥ K Q 10 5 2
♦ 5
♣ A 7

Q: 5 - South:

South	West	North	East
-	-	-	1♣
?

A: 2♣: We like a Michaels Cuebid here. Pard will know we're 5-5 in the majors and take appropriate action. This hand is so spectacular we may well end up in a slam. Admittedly, that's unusual when the opponents open, but again, this hand is such a trick-taker.

And we've escaped the sharks so far. Let's try a hand.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Play this Hand

Now that you've bid five hands, let's see how your play goes.

Play on ANY Device

Overall Results

Your results: out of Average:

What next? You may enjoy playing our prepared hands series.
More informations on our website: www.VuBridge.com

Rate yourself:

0 - 40%	We applaud your effort. Review the subject and try again. You'll be surprised how much better you'll do. We're here for you!!
41 - 50%	Buy your mentor a cuppa and ask for clarification on the ones you got wrong. No mentor? Make finding one a priority!
51 - 60%	Nice improvement! One more review and you'll have this down solid!
61 - 80%	What a good job! All that's left is some fine tuning
Over 80%	Wow! It's time for you to become a mentor. Find someone who needs help and share your knowledge!